Votes at a glance: Auburn council adopts tax, code updates, committee appointments and hires planning consultant

The Auburn City Council on Feb. 18 adopted a package of ordinances and resolutions, approved multiple board appointments, and selected members for an ad hoc committee. Most measures carried by voice vote after brief introductions by Councilmember Baldwin and staff.

Why it matters: the ordinances update local tax administration and definitions that affect businesses and events in Auburn; the appointment of a consultant for the Stuck River Road and Mount Rainier Vista special planning areas starts a planning process that could shape development in those areas; board appointments refill advisory panels that advise the city on lodging tax spending, business improvement, cemetery matters and parks and recreation.

Key outcomes

- Ordinance 6963 (B&O tax): Councilmember Baldwin moved to adopt an ordinance amending sections of Auburn City Code relating to the business and occupation tax to clarify administration and enforcement; Deputy Mayor Raikes seconded. The measure passed by voice vote.

- Ordinance 6964 (solid waste and utilities): Baldwin moved to approve code updates clarifying solid-waste definitions and removing obsolete filing/payment language; Councilmember Clinton Taylor seconded. The ordinance passed by voice vote.

- Ordinance 6967 (admissions tax): Baldwin moved to expand and clarify admissions-tax definitions (cover charges,…